Questions have arisen among fans online over a potential split between some key stars within the England women’s squad, after Lauren James appeared to unfollow Lionesses team-mates Mary Earps and Ella Toone on social media.

It came after the Chelsea star endured a difficult outing against Manchester United during Sunday’s FA Women’s Cup semi-final and was embroiled in a controversial incident just before half-time.

After Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams put United 2-0 up in the first half, James hit back with a goal just on the stroke of half-time. In an attempt to get the ball back to take a quick re-start, the England striker seemed to put Millie Turner in a headlock as the United defender attempted to slow down play.

Turner subsequently made light of the situation, posting a photo of James putting her in a headlock on her Instagram, among several other images, with the caption ‘KAMMOONNNN’. She later re-posted that image onto her story, writing ‘See you at Wembley my reds’ with a heart-eye emoji and a heart emoji.

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have now pointed out that James, who received abuse online after she was sent off for a stamp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie at the Women’s World Cup this summer, has subsequently unfollowed Turner, Toone and Earps.

It has raised speculation among some fans over whether there is a split emerging between some members of Sarina Wiegman’s England squad.

One fan took to social media to express their concerns, writing: ‘I wonder if something else has gone down cause Earps and Toone aren’t exactly fringe England players, I hope LJ is okay and I’m glad she’s protecting herself.’